I'll try to make this as short as possible, but I wanted to include a little background to get the best advice possible.
I started playing bass at 12 yrs old (now early 40's). I spent all of my 20's and first half of my 30's doing most of the things...playing in multiple projects, touring, recording 14 albums, hitting up NAMM every year, etc. I spent a vast majority of my playing time in rock, metal, prog, with a little of hippie jam band mixed in. Ultimately however, trying to balance a fairly demanding career for my day job with music, getting burned badly by a custom "builder", plus a nasty divorce and the pandemic all ended up in me hanging things up for about 7 years. Other than picking up a bass for an hour or so every couple of weeks, I was essentially retired.
Fast forward to now. I have a new, better job that requires less of my time. I have a new partner who is amazing and incredibly supportive, and I find myself beginning to love music again although I still haven't really picked a bass back up.
Unfortunately, my partner was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia a couple of months ago. She is currently undergoing treatment and has a very long road ahead. I also find myself continuing to work full time to support both of us while splitting primary caregiver duties with a close family member of hers.
In the midst of all this, I have discovered that picking up a bass and practicing for an hour or two every night is incredibly helpful in allowing me to de-stress and decompress. Plus it's keeping me from drinking or medicating the night away. I also have found that my tastes have changed dramatically. I have discovered a love for Jazz and have been listening to a ton on Janek Gwizdala, John Patitucci, Damian Erskine, Charles Mingus, Dennis Chambers, etc. I am decided that if I am getting back into playing, that this is the direction I would like to spend most of my time exploring. Even if I never play a gig ever again, just having something else to focus on and improve on is incredibly beneficial to my mental health. Especially right now.
Sorry for the long winded story, but long story short, I need some suggestions on the following:
1. I'd like to get some instruction in Jazz. Due to my schedule being insane at the moment, I think online instruction would be best. Any recommendations? I would consider myself starting at a beginner level.
2. In-person instruction is a possibility, but classes would need to be flexible or a private instructor that is understanding of my situation and willing to work with me. Does anyone have a recommendation in the Seattle area?
3. Any recommendations on self-teaching books or videos for Jazz bass?
4. I need to re-fresh my music theory and definitely my music reading. I haven't read sheet music since playing upright in high school orchestra. Any recommendations on books for this?
5. Need some recommendations on an electric upright. I have been looking at the NS series EUB's. Again, I haven't played upright since high school and I'd like to get back into it.
6. Finally, suggestions for a setup for silent practice would be appreciated. Something where I could jam along with music or practice to backing tracks would be essential. On the rare occasions that my partner is home from the hospital, she needs her rest and I do not want to disturb her.
I appreciate any and all advice anyone can offer. I know I'm asking for quite a bit of help here, so I am grateful for your time if you have any information to offer. Thanks!
I started playing bass at 12 yrs old (now early 40's). I spent all of my 20's and first half of my 30's doing most of the things...playing in multiple projects, touring, recording 14 albums, hitting up NAMM every year, etc. I spent a vast majority of my playing time in rock, metal, prog, with a little of hippie jam band mixed in. Ultimately however, trying to balance a fairly demanding career for my day job with music, getting burned badly by a custom "builder", plus a nasty divorce and the pandemic all ended up in me hanging things up for about 7 years. Other than picking up a bass for an hour or so every couple of weeks, I was essentially retired.
Fast forward to now. I have a new, better job that requires less of my time. I have a new partner who is amazing and incredibly supportive, and I find myself beginning to love music again although I still haven't really picked a bass back up.
Unfortunately, my partner was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia a couple of months ago. She is currently undergoing treatment and has a very long road ahead. I also find myself continuing to work full time to support both of us while splitting primary caregiver duties with a close family member of hers.
In the midst of all this, I have discovered that picking up a bass and practicing for an hour or two every night is incredibly helpful in allowing me to de-stress and decompress. Plus it's keeping me from drinking or medicating the night away. I also have found that my tastes have changed dramatically. I have discovered a love for Jazz and have been listening to a ton on Janek Gwizdala, John Patitucci, Damian Erskine, Charles Mingus, Dennis Chambers, etc. I am decided that if I am getting back into playing, that this is the direction I would like to spend most of my time exploring. Even if I never play a gig ever again, just having something else to focus on and improve on is incredibly beneficial to my mental health. Especially right now.
Sorry for the long winded story, but long story short, I need some suggestions on the following:
1. I'd like to get some instruction in Jazz. Due to my schedule being insane at the moment, I think online instruction would be best. Any recommendations? I would consider myself starting at a beginner level.
2. In-person instruction is a possibility, but classes would need to be flexible or a private instructor that is understanding of my situation and willing to work with me. Does anyone have a recommendation in the Seattle area?
3. Any recommendations on self-teaching books or videos for Jazz bass?
4. I need to re-fresh my music theory and definitely my music reading. I haven't read sheet music since playing upright in high school orchestra. Any recommendations on books for this?
5. Need some recommendations on an electric upright. I have been looking at the NS series EUB's. Again, I haven't played upright since high school and I'd like to get back into it.
6. Finally, suggestions for a setup for silent practice would be appreciated. Something where I could jam along with music or practice to backing tracks would be essential. On the rare occasions that my partner is home from the hospital, she needs her rest and I do not want to disturb her.
I appreciate any and all advice anyone can offer. I know I'm asking for quite a bit of help here, so I am grateful for your time if you have any information to offer. Thanks!
